First Year Fastback: 1965 Ford Mustang

Disclosure: This site may receive compensation from some link clicks and purchases.

When the Ford Mustang debuted in the Spring of 1964, it was available as only a coupe or convertible. It wouldn’t be until the Fall that the sporty fastback would join the lineup for the full 1965 model year. So, if anyone ever tries to sell you a 1964 ½ Mustang fastback, there is no such thing (in fact, there are no true ’64 ½ Mustangs as they were all titled as ‘65s). This Vintage Burgundy fastback has seen better days and needs a complete restoration. Likely not complete, it comes with a 289 cubic inch V8 C-code (2-barrel carburetor).

Ford built more than 77,000 fastbacks in the first full year of the Mustang, so to say it was a hit is an understatement. The only competition at the time was the Plymouth Barracuda which could only muster 64,000 cars across all body styles versus the 559,000 Mustang coupes, convertibles, and fastbacks. We don’t know the history of this Mustang, but we gather it was a barn find on the part of the seller as all the photos are of it on a flatbed trailer. We assume there is ample rust from sitting, but some of the photos are dark so it’s hard to be sure.

No mention is made of the health of the 289 V8 or if it’s original at 70,000 miles. But we’d bet it is along with the automatic transmission. We’re told the interior is all there except for the carpeting and headliner, but everything is going to need to be redone. When you have finished restoring this Ford, it would be a fun car to show off but you’re going to have a lot of money and time invested. From Mentor, Ohio, this pony is available here on eBay for $12,500 OBO.

Auctions Ending Soon

Comments

  1. Robert West

    Considering the prices people are asking for anything with four wheels, I guess $12,500 isn’t too shabby. It IS a fastback.

    Like 4
  2. James

    Corvette, Porsche VW doesn’t matter rust repair bodywork and paint is all the same money. Sure the drive train is cheaper for American cars but still looking at $50K plus for everything else if you need to have someone do the work.

    Like 4
  3. DA

    It isn’t anything special other than being a fastback, and surely needs a lot. No mention of the bumpers and missing body parts, along with other missing items such as the air cleaner and radiator. Plenty of rust and mold in the interior. Needs pictures of the underside, and most of the pictures are not so hot. At this price and what it is going to need, somebody would barely break even. If paying for pro work, it will easily be in the cost stratosphere.

    Like 1
  4. Franklin8

    There were no fastbacks built in 64 at all. Even if it was titled and called a 65 fastback from factory. Wouldn’t it be a 641/2 if it was built before 65. I’m asking because my dad had a maroon with black interior he always called a 641/2 . Would love to find that car . Does anyone know how to go about finding a older car?

    Like 0
  5. stillrunners stillrunnersMember

    “Plymouth Barracuda which could only muster 64,000 cars across all body styles”……what – there was only one body style……

    Dis-like the 2+2 as I’ve owned one and it was stolen twice back in the 80’s…..glad I don’t have the issue with any of my Cuda’s……good luck to the buyer !

    Like 0
  6. Joe Haska

    Russ, Thanks for your explanation of 64 1/2 Mustangs. I have tried to explain this to many Mustang owners and not any of them believe it. A few years ago I had the pleasure of being neighbors with Gale Halderman and he assured me there was never a Mustang to leave the factory titled as a 64 1/2. Gale was the lead designer of the 1965 Mustang.

    Like 1
  7. Bob_in_TN Bob_in_TNMember

    Gale Halderman passed away in 2020. His daughter and granddaughter operate the “Halderman Barn” on the family property in the Dayton, Ohio area. It houses a few cars but is mostly a collection of his memorabilia, including hundreds (thousands?) of pieces of framed automotive literature. Some describe it as his “man cave.”

    It is open by appointment only, catering to groups such as car clubs. Even non-Ford enthusiasts would find it interesting, if you at least appreciate the history of the iconic Mustang.

    Like 0

Leave A Comment

RULES: No profanity, politics, or personal attacks.

Become a member to add images to your comments.

*

Barn Finds